JP2020003656A - Image processing apparatus, image processing system, image processing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

To make it possible to detect abnormality at an early stage by using data for calibration.SOLUTION: An image processing apparatus 1 comprises: acquisition means that acquires read data of a chart; calibration means that creates a correction table for executing calibration from the read data and an ideal value; sign detection means that detects a sign of abnormality on the basis of the characteristics of a transition over time of the read data; and output means that outputs sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination. When the rate of change of a density value indicated in the read data is equal to or more than a first predetermined value, the sign detection means determines that there is the sign.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 12

Description

  The present invention relates to an image processing device, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In an image processing apparatus such as a printer, a copier, and an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral), calibration for correcting a change in color tone (color, density, and the like) caused by a change in a printing environment, deterioration over time, and the like is executed. When executing the calibration, for example, a chart including a plurality of patches constituting a color gradation is printed on a recording medium, and a read value (RGB value or the like) obtained by reading the chart with a scanner is compared with an ideal value. Thus, the correction process is performed so that printing can be continued in a color tone as close as possible to the ideal value in any situation.

  For example, as a technique relating to calibration, there is a technique for prohibiting the execution of calibration when the remaining amount of toner is insufficient in order to prevent the calibration from being performed in a situation where a satisfactory result cannot be obtained. It is disclosed (Patent Document 1).

  In the conventional calibration, if the error between the read value and the ideal value exceeds the allowable range, an abnormal gamma is generated by the calibration, so the error is displayed and the execution of the calibration is stopped. May take action. However, even when the error is within the allowable range, an abnormality may occur in the image processing apparatus. For example, when the transfer performance of the intermediate transfer belt that performs the primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process is reduced, a phenomenon occurs in which the density of the final printed image gradually decreases. If the error falls within the allowable range, the abnormality of the intermediate transfer belt is left as it is.

  The sign of the occurrence of an abnormality in the image processing apparatus may appear in the temporal transition of calibration data (read values such as a density value and a color difference value). For example, even if the density value obtained by reading the calibration chart is within the allowable range, if the density value is in a decreasing trend or an increasing trend, some sort of image processing is performed in the image processing apparatus. There is a high possibility that an error has occurred. As described above, by monitoring the time-dependent transition of the calibration data, it is possible to detect the occurrence of an abnormality at an early stage and to deal with it. However, in the related art, the data for calibration is not effectively used.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and an object of the present invention is to enable an abnormality to be detected early using calibration data.

  In order to solve the above-described problem and achieve the object, an image processing apparatus according to the present invention performs calibration from an acquisition unit that acquires read data of a chart and a difference between the read data and an ideal value. Means for generating a correction table for detecting, a sign detecting means for detecting a sign of abnormality based on the characteristics of the temporal change of the read data, and an output for outputting sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination Means.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, it becomes possible to detect an abnormality early using the data for calibration.

FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the calibration chart according to the first embodiment. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data over time of the solid density according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporally read data of an intermediate density according to the first embodiment. FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporally read data of color difference values according to the first embodiment. FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data on the amount of toner attached over time according to the second embodiment. FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the second embodiment. FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the activation request confirmation screen according to the third embodiment. FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the diagnosis processing according to the third embodiment.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of an image processing apparatus, an image processing system, an image processing method, and a program will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The present invention is not limited by the following embodiments, and the components in the following embodiments include those that can be easily conceived by those skilled in the art, those that are substantially the same, and those that are in a so-called equivalent range. . Various omissions, substitutions, changes, and combinations of the components can be made without departing from the spirit of the following embodiments.

<First embodiment>
The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment is an apparatus such as an MFP (Multifunction Peripheral) having a calibration (color calibration) function. The image processing apparatus according to the present embodiment reads image data from a document, converts the read image data (analog signal) into digital data and outputs the digital data, and performs calibration on the read image data (digital data). It has an image processing function for performing various processes, including a printing function for printing an image on a recording medium based on data after the image processing.

  In the following description, three color image data of R (red), G (green), and B (blue) (hereinafter, sometimes referred to as “RGB data” and the like) are read from an original, and the RGB data is read as C data. (Cyan), M (magenta), Y (yellow), and K (black) process color image data (hereinafter sometimes referred to as “CMYK data”) may be converted into color data based on the CMYK data. It is assumed that a color image is output to a recording medium.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a controller 11, an operation panel 12, a hard disk drive (HDD) 13, a plotter 14, a scanner 15, a storage medium I / F 16, and a communication I / F 17, and these are buses. 18 are connected to each other.

  The controller 11 includes a CPU 21, a RAM 22, and a ROM 23, and controls the entire image processing apparatus 1. The ROM 23 stores a program executed when the image processing apparatus 1 is activated, a program executed after the activation, setting data, and the like. The RAM 22 temporarily stores programs, setting data, and the like read from storage means such as the ROM 23, the HDD 13, and the external storage medium 30. The CPU 21 executes a program stored in the RAM 22 to execute various control arithmetic processes for realizing the functions of the image processing apparatus 1.

  The operation panel 12 includes an input device such as a hard key and a touch panel mechanism, and a display device such as an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), accepts various input operations by a user, and transmits various information generated in the image processing apparatus 1 to the user. Notify

  The HDD 13 is a large-capacity nonvolatile storage device that stores received document data, image data, programs, system files, databases, and the like handled by the image processing apparatus 1.

  The plotter 14 is a device (print engine) that forms an image on a predetermined recording medium (print paper or the like) based on data (raster data or the like) obtained by rendering print data (image data). In the present embodiment, a plotter 14 for printing a bitmap data image on a recording medium by an electrophotographic process method is assumed, but the present invention is not limited to this.

  The scanner 15 is a device that optically reads an image formed on a recording medium using an inline sensor or the like and generates image data (read data).

  The storage medium I / F 16 is an interface device that enables reading and writing of data between the external processing medium 30 such as a USB (Universal Serial Bus) memory and an SD (Secure Digital) card and the image processing apparatus 1.

  The communication I / F 17 is an interface device that enables data communication with an external information processing apparatus such as a server 41 and a PC (Personal Computer) 42 via the network 31. The network 31 is an appropriate computer network that enables data communication between a plurality of information processing devices, such as IEEE 1394 (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 1394), Ethernet (registered trademark), USB (Universal Serial Bus), It is configured using a LAN (Local Area Network) constructed using Wi-Fi (registered trademark) or the like or an Internet constructed using TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) or the like. .

  FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. The image processing apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment includes a chart generation unit 101, a reading unit 102, an acquisition unit 103, a recording unit 104, a sign detection unit 105, an output unit 106, and a calibration unit 107.

  The chart generator 101 forms a calibration chart 51 used for calibration on a recording medium. The chart generation unit 101 can be configured by cooperation of the plotter 14, the controller 11, and the like.

  FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of the calibration chart 51 according to the first embodiment. The calibration chart 51 exemplified here is composed of a plurality of patches that gradually change gradation and constitute color gradation, and includes a character patch group 55 for performing character printing calibration, And a photographic patch group 56A, 56B for performing calibration for the image. When performing calibration for photo printing, higher accuracy is required than in the case of character printing. Therefore, the average value of read values obtained by the two patch groups 56A and 56B arranged in the sub-scanning direction is used. . This makes it possible to reduce the influence of density unevenness caused by the eccentricity of the photoconductor and the developing roller.

  The reading unit 102 reads the calibration chart 51 generated by the chart generation unit 101 and generates read data. The read data is data indicating a color tone of the calibration chart 51 such as an RGB color space value (RGB value). For example, a density value indicating a density of each patch of the calibration chart 51, a color tone of each read patch and a reference It may be a color difference value indicating a color difference from a color tone, a weighted moving average value of these values (density value or color difference value), or the like. The reading unit 102 can be configured by cooperation of the scanner 15, the controller 11, and the like.

  The acquisition unit 103 acquires read data obtained by reading the calibration chart 51. The acquisition unit 103 may acquire the read data from the reading unit 102, or may acquire the read data from another information processing device via the network 31. For example, read data obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 with an external scanner, read data stored in the server 41, and the like may be received via the network 31. The acquisition unit 103 can be configured by cooperation of the controller 11, the communication I / F 17, the HDD 13, the storage medium I / F 16, and the like.

  The recording unit 104 records the read data acquired by the acquisition unit 103 over time, and generates temporal read data indicating a temporal transition of the read data. The temporal reading data may be, for example, data indicating a transition of a density value, data indicating a transition of a color difference value, or the like. The recording unit 104 can be configured by cooperation of the controller 11, the HDD 13, the recording media I / F 16, and the like.

  The sign detection unit 105 detects a sign of occurrence of an abnormality based on the temporally read data. The sign detection unit 105 according to the present embodiment includes a density transition monitoring unit 111 and a color difference transition monitoring unit 112. The density transition monitoring unit 111 monitors a parameter relating to the transition of the density value. The parameter relating to the transition of the density value may be, for example, a rate of change of the density value. The color difference transition monitoring unit 112 monitors a parameter relating to the transition of the color difference value. The parameter relating to the transition of the color difference value may be, for example, a change rate of the color difference value. The sign detection unit 105 detects a sign based on, for example, a change rate of a density value, a change rate of a color difference value, and the like. A specific sign detection method will be described later. The sign detection unit 105 can be configured by cooperation of the controller 11 and the like.

  The output unit 106 outputs a detection result of the sign detection unit 105, that is, sign information indicating a sign of occurrence of an abnormality. The sign detection unit 105 according to the present embodiment includes a user notification unit 121 and an external notification unit 122. The user notification unit 121 notifies the user of the sign information via a user interface (such as the operation panel 12). The external notification unit 122 notifies the sign information to an external system, for example, a call center system that performs maintenance management of the image processing apparatus 1 via the network 31. The method of outputting the sign information is not particularly limited. For example, a message urging the user to contact the call center is displayed on the operation panel 12, or the image processing apparatus 1 is transmitted to the call center system via the network 31. It is conceivable to directly transmit information specifying the information, information indicating the content of the sign, and the like. The output unit 106 can be configured by cooperation of the controller 11, the operation panel 12, the communication I / F 17, and the like.

  The calibration unit 107 performs calibration based on the read data acquired by the acquisition unit 103. The calibration unit 107 according to the present embodiment generates a correction table for performing calibration from the value indicated by the read data and the ideal value, specifically, for example, from the difference between the value indicated by the read data and the ideal value. Generate. The correction table can be, for example, a known one-dimensional or multidimensional LUT (Lookup Table), but is not limited to these, and should be appropriately configured according to use conditions. The specific method of calibration is not particularly limited, and a known or new appropriate method may be used.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of data over time of the solid density according to the first embodiment. The temporally read data according to the present example indicates the transition of the measured value (read value) of the solid density of the patch of the calibration chart 51 and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the measured value. Since the measured values are affected by in-plane fluctuations and the effects of concentration fluctuations during the day, the weighted moving average (the weight of the most recent data is increased) is used as an index, rather than using the measured values as an index. It is better to do. It is preferable that the weighted moving average is close to the product specification median. If the weighted moving average is lower than the product allowable density value, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

  The example shown in FIG. 4 indicates that the solid density decreases from around 2017/1/17. From 2017/1/17 to 2017/1/29, it is read that the weighted moving average value is not lower than the product allowable density value, but tends to decrease. From this, it is presumed that an abnormality is highly likely to occur when the device is continuously used after 2017/1/29.

  Therefore, the sign detection unit 105 according to the present example monitors the rate of change of the weighted moving average value of the density value, and determines that there is a sign of occurrence of an abnormality when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined value. Then, the output unit 121 notifies the user or an external mechanism (such as a call center) of sign information indicating that there is a sign of occurrence of an abnormality. Thus, when a sign of occurrence of an abnormality appears, the sign of the occurrence of an abnormality can be notified to a user or an external mechanism while the operation of the image processing apparatus 1 is continued, and appropriate measures can be taken before the occurrence of the abnormality. It is possible to take.

  In addition to monitoring the rate of change of the density value as described above, a sign of occurrence of an abnormality is detected by monitoring the deviation of the density value (weighted moving average value or measured value) from the median value of the product standard. be able to. For example, when a state in which the weighted moving average is at a level somewhat lower or higher than the product specification median has continued for a certain period or more, it may be determined that there is a sign of occurrence of an abnormality.

  Further, in addition to monitoring the solid density value, an intermediate density value, and a density value of the entire gradation range including the solid density value and the intermediate density value may be monitored. Further, the detection value of the sensor may be directly monitored, or the Lab value or the like may be monitored.

  FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporally read data of an intermediate density according to the first embodiment. The time-dependent read data according to the present example indicates the transition of the measured value (read value) of the intermediate density of the patch of the calibration chart 51 and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the measured value. Even in the case of using such temporally read data regarding the intermediate density, similarly to the case of using the above-mentioned solid density temporally read data, by monitoring the rate of change, deviation from the product standard median, and the like, A sign of occurrence of an abnormality can be detected.

  FIG. 6 is a diagram illustrating an example of temporally read data of color difference values according to the first embodiment. The temporally read data according to the present example includes a transition of a measured value (read value) of the color difference value ΔE between a plurality of patches (solid surfaces) of the same color existing in the calibration chart 51 and a weighted movement of the measured value. The transition of the average value is shown. It is preferable that the weighted moving average value is near the ΔE product ability value. If the weighted moving average value exceeds the ΔE tolerance value, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

  The example shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the color difference value ΔE increases from around 2017/1/17. From 2017/1/17 to 2017/1/29, it is read that the weighted moving average value does not exceed the ΔE allowable value but is increasing. From this, it is presumed that an abnormality is highly likely to occur when the device is continuously used after 2017/1/29.

  The sign detection unit 105 according to the present example monitors the rate of change of the color difference value ΔE between a plurality of patches (solid surfaces) of the same color, and when the rate of change exceeds a predetermined value, there is a sign that an abnormality has occurred. Judgment is made, and the output unit 121 notifies the user or the external mechanism of the sign information. As described above, it is also possible to detect a sign of occurrence of an abnormality by monitoring the color difference value ΔE.

  Further, the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality may be detected by directly monitoring the difference between the detection values of the sensors without obtaining the color difference value as described above.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment. When the chart generation unit 101 outputs (prints) the calibration chart 51 on the recording medium (S101), the reading unit 102 reads the calibration chart 51 (S102), and the acquisition unit 103 acquires the read data. The recording unit 104 records the acquired read data over time (S103), and generates the time-dependent read data.

  The sign detection unit 105 determines whether or not the rate of change of the density value (for example, the rate of change of the weighted moving average value of the solid density value shown in FIG. 4) is equal to or greater than a predetermined value based on the temporally read data (S104). If the change rate of the density value is equal to or more than a predetermined value (S104: Yes), it is determined that there is a sign of occurrence of an abnormality (S105), and the output unit 121 outputs the sign information to a predetermined output destination (for example, an operation panel). 12, a call center system, etc.) (S106).

  On the other hand, if the change rate of the density value is not equal to or more than the predetermined value (S104: No), the sign detection unit 105 determines that the color difference change rate (for example, the change rate of the weighted moving average value of the color difference ΔE shown in FIG. 6) is the predetermined value. It is determined whether or not this is the case (S107). If the color difference change rate is equal to or more than a predetermined value (S107: Yes), it is determined that there is a sign of occurrence of an abnormality (S105), and the output unit 121 outputs the sign information to a predetermined output destination (for example, the operation panel 12, a call center system, etc.). (S106). If the color difference change rate is not equal to or greater than the predetermined value (S107: No), it is determined that there is no sign of occurrence of an abnormality (S108), and the flow is terminated (the normal operation of the image processing apparatus 1 is continued).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, a sign of the occurrence of an abnormality is detected based on the temporally read data obtained by recording the read data for calibration over time, and the detection result is determined by the user or an external mechanism (such as a call center). ) Can be notified. As a result, it is possible to take measures before a failure appears, and it is possible to improve the reliability of the image processing apparatus.

  Hereinafter, other embodiments will be described with reference to the drawings. However, portions having the same or similar functions and effects as those of the first embodiment will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof may be omitted.

(Second embodiment)
FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. The difference between the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment and the image processing apparatus 1 according to the first embodiment is mainly that the image processing apparatus 2 according to the present embodiment has a toner adhesion amount detection unit 201, In addition, the sign detection unit 202 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211 and a factor estimating unit 212 in addition to the density transition monitoring unit 111 and the color difference transition monitoring unit 112.

  The toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 detects the amount of toner adhesion on the intermediate transfer belt. The intermediate transfer belt is a member that forms a part of the plotter 14 and contributes to the execution of the primary transfer process in the electrophotographic process. Although the specific configuration of the intermediate transfer belt is not particularly limited, for example, an endless belt-shaped belt that copies a toner image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum and transfers the copied toner image to a recording medium. It may be a member or the like. By monitoring the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt, the cause of the fluctuation of the density value or the color difference value of the calibration chart 51 is one of the electrophotographic processes (exposure, development, primary transfer, secondary transfer, and fixing). It is possible to identify which process has a problem. The toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 can be configured by cooperation of a sensor, a controller 11 and the like installed near the intermediate transfer belt in the plotter 14.

  The adhesion amount data indicating the amount of toner adhesion detected by the toner adhesion amount detection unit 201 is acquired by the acquisition unit 103 together with the read data. The recording unit 104 records the read data over time to generate the read data over time, and records the attached amount data over time to generate the attached time data.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of data on the amount of toner attached over time according to the second embodiment. The time-dependent adhesion amount data according to the present example indicates the transition of the measured value of the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt and the transition of the weighted moving average value of the actual measurement value. It is preferable that the weighted moving average is close to the product specification median. If the weighted moving average is lower than the product allowable density value, it is determined that there is an abnormality.

  The example shown in FIG. 9 shows that the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease from around 2017/1/17.

  The sign detection unit 202 according to the present embodiment includes an adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211 and a factor estimation unit 212.

  The attached amount transition monitoring unit 211 monitors a parameter relating to a transition of the attached amount of toner on the intermediate transfer belt based on the above-described temporal attached amount data. The parameter relating to the transition of the toner adhesion amount may be, for example, a change rate of the toner adhesion amount.

  The factor estimating unit 212 estimates the factor of the decrease in the density value obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 based on the monitoring result by the attached amount transition monitoring unit 211. The density value is, for example, a weighted moving average value or a solid density actual measurement value in the solid density temporally read data of FIG. 4 or a weighted moving average value or a solid density actual measurement value of the intermediate density temporally read data in FIG. is there. The factor estimating unit 212 generates factor information indicating the estimated factor.

  It is presumed that the decrease in the amount of toner adhered on the intermediate transfer belt is caused by a problem in a process before the primary transfer in the electrophotographic process, that is, an exposure process, a development process, or a primary transfer process. Therefore, when the density value obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 tends to decrease and the toner adhesion amount also tends to decrease, it is determined that the cause of the decrease in the density value is the exposure process, the development process, or the primary transfer process. Can be estimated. Further, when the density value tends to decrease and the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease, it is estimated that the cause of the decrease in the density value is a process after the secondary transfer, that is, the secondary transfer process or the fixing process. can do.

  The output unit 106 according to the present embodiment outputs factor information to a predetermined output destination in addition to the sign information.

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus 2 according to the second embodiment. First, the sign detection unit 202 determines whether or not the density value (hereinafter, abbreviated as a read density value) obtained by reading the calibration chart 51 tends to decrease based on the monitoring result of the density estimation monitoring unit 111. (S201). The method of determining whether or not the read density value is decreasing is not particularly limited. For example, when the rate of change of the weighted moving average value in the temporally read data shown in FIG. For example, when the weighted moving average value deviates to some extent from the product standard median value for a certain period of time or the like, it can be determined that the read density value is on a downward trend. If the read density value does not tend to decrease (S201: No), this flow ends.

  If the read density value is on the decrease (S201: Yes), the sign detection unit 202 determines whether the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt is on the decrease based on the monitoring result by the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211. It is determined whether or not it is (S202). The method of determining whether or not the toner adhesion amount is in a downward trend is not particularly limited. For example, the change rate of the weighted moving average in the time-dependent adhesion amount data shown in FIG. 9 is equal to or more than a predetermined value. In this case, when the weighted moving average value deviates to some extent from the product standard median value for a certain period of time or the like, it can be determined that the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease.

When the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease (S202: Yes), the decrease in the reading density value is caused by the following factors related to a process before the primary transfer in the electrophotographic process, for example, an exposure process, a development process, or a primary transfer process. (S203).
・ Change in surface shape of photoreceptor ・ Lower primary transfer rate ・ Lower developing ability ・ Insufficient toner charge

On the other hand, when the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease (S202: No), the decrease in the read density value is caused by the following factors related to the process after the secondary transfer in the electrophotographic process, for example, the secondary transfer process or the fixing process. (S204).
・ Lower fixed nip pressure ・ Lower secondary transfer rate ・ Heat absorption of paper (recording medium)

  Thereafter, the output unit 106 outputs factor information indicating either the factor shown in step S203 or the factor shown in S204 to a predetermined output destination (for example, the operation panel 12, a call center system, etc.) (S205).

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to estimate not only a sign of occurrence of an abnormality but also a cause of the abnormality and notify the user or an external mechanism (such as a call center). As a result, it is possible to take more appropriate measures.

(Third embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating an example of a functional configuration of the image processing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. The difference between the image processing device 3 according to the present embodiment and the image processing device 2 according to the second embodiment is mainly that the image processing device 3 according to the present embodiment has a diagnosis unit 301.

  The diagnosis unit 301 performs a diagnosis process for diagnosing the cause of the abnormality. The diagnosis unit 301 generates diagnosis information indicating the cause of the abnormality in more detail than the estimation result (factor information) of the factor estimation unit 212 based on the sign information, the factor information, and the like obtained from the sign detection unit 202. Although the specific method of the diagnostic processing is not particularly limited, for example, the diagnostic generating unit 101 generates the diagnostic chart 57 for the diagnostic processing as needed, and the reading unit 102 reads the diagnostic chart 57. It may be a method of analyzing data. In addition, the diagnosis unit 301 may include a unit that determines execution / non-execution of a diagnosis process according to a request from a user. For example, the diagnostic processing may be executed only when an operation requesting the diagnostic processing is received from the user via an appropriate user interface (such as the operation panel 12). Although the specific contents of the diagnostic information are not particularly limited, for example, a process (eg, exposure, development, primary transfer, secondary transfer, fixing, etc.) or a module (eg, a light emitting device, (A photoconductor, a transfer belt, a recording medium transport device, a drying device, etc.).

  The output unit 106 according to the present embodiment outputs diagnostic information to a predetermined output destination in addition to the sign information and the factor information.

  FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a processing example in the image processing apparatus 3 according to the third embodiment. First, the sign detection unit 202 determines whether or not the read density value has a tendency to decrease based on the monitoring result by the density estimation monitoring unit 111 (S301). If the read density value does not tend to decrease (S301: No), this flow ends.

  If the read density value is on the decrease (S301: Yes), the sign detection unit 202 determines whether the toner adhesion amount on the intermediate transfer belt is on the basis of the monitoring result by the adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 211. It is determined whether or not it is (S302).

If the toner adhesion amount tends to decrease (S302: Yes), it is estimated that the decrease in the read density value is caused by the following factors related to the exposure process, the development process, or the primary transfer process (S303).
・ Change in surface shape of photoreceptor ・ Lower primary transfer rate ・ Lower developing ability ・ Insufficient toner charge

On the other hand, when the toner adhesion amount does not tend to decrease (S302: No), it is estimated that the decrease in the read density value is caused by the following factors related to the secondary transfer process or the fixing process (S304).
・ Fusing module ・ Secondary transfer module ・ T sensor failure

  Thereafter, the diagnosis unit 301 determines whether or not there is a request to start a diagnosis mode for executing a diagnosis process (S305). FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating an example of the activation request confirmation screen 61 according to the third embodiment. The activation request confirmation screen 61 is displayed, for example, on the operation panel 12, and is configured so that the user can select either “Yes” or “No”. The diagnostic unit 301 displays the activation request confirmation screen 61 on the operation panel 12 when executing step S305, and determines whether the user has requested activation of the diagnostic mode.

  If the activation of the diagnostic mode is requested (S305: Yes), the diagnostic unit 301 activates the diagnostic mode (S306) and causes the chart generation unit 101 to output the diagnostic chart 57 as necessary (S307). Then, the reading unit 102 executes a diagnostic process based on the data obtained by reading the diagnostic chart 57 (S308), and the output unit 106 outputs diagnostic information indicating the result of the diagnostic process to a predetermined output destination (S309). On the other hand, when the activation of the diagnostic mode is not requested (S305: No), the output unit 106 outputs the factor information to a predetermined output destination (S310).

  According to the above-described processing, after the cause of the abnormality is estimated by the factor estimating unit 212, when the user requests the activation of the diagnostic mode, the diagnostic processing for specifying the cause of the abnormality in more detail is performed. It is possible to generate diagnostic information that can be identified by isolating the process or module that caused the above, and notify the user or an external mechanism (such as a call center).

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a specific example of the diagnosis processing according to the third embodiment. The diagnosis unit 301 determines whether or not the color difference value (ΔE) is increasing based on the monitoring result by the color difference transition monitoring unit 112 (S401), and when the color difference value is not increasing (S401: No). When the color difference value is increasing (S401: Yes), the diagnostic mode is started (S402). Here, an example in which the diagnostic mode is activated without confirming the presence or absence of the activation request by the user is shown. However, the diagnostic mode is activated only when the activation request is made by the user using a screen as shown in FIG. You may.

  After that, the diagnosis unit 301 causes the chart generation unit 101 to output the diagnosis chart 57 including the uniform patches in which the increasing trend is recognized, causes the reading unit 102 to re-read the diagnosis chart 57, and re-executes the reading. It is determined whether there is any abnormality based on the obtained data (S405). When it is determined that there is an abnormality due to the re-execution of the reading (S405: Yes), diagnostic information indicating the cause of the abnormality is generated in detail (S406), and when it is determined that there is no abnormality (S405: In No), the present flow ends without generating diagnostic information.

  According to the above-described processing, if an increasing tendency of the color difference value is recognized when the calibration chart 51 is read, the presence or absence of an abnormality is reconfirmed using the diagnosis chart 57. If there is an abnormality, the cause of the abnormality is described in detail. Is generated.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, not only the sign information indicating the sign of the occurrence of the abnormality and the factor information that is the estimation result of the cause of the abnormality, but also the diagnostic information indicating the result of the detailed diagnosis of the cause of the abnormality. It is possible to notify a user or an external mechanism (such as a call center). As a result, it is possible to take more appropriate measures.

(Modification)
In the first to third embodiments, examples have been described in which the image processing apparatuses 1 to 3 independently realize the functions described above, but embodiments of the present invention are not limited to this. For example, the functions described above may be realized in cooperation with the image processing apparatuses 1 to 3 and the server 41 connected to the network 31.

  The program for realizing the above functions is a file in an installable or executable format on a computer-readable recording medium such as a CD-ROM, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-R, and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk). You may comprise so that it may record and provide. Further, the program may be stored on another computer connected to a network such as the Internet, and provided by being downloaded via the network. Further, the program may be provided or distributed via a network.

  The embodiments of the present invention have been described above. However, the above embodiments have been presented as examples, and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention. This new embodiment can be implemented in other various forms, and various omissions, replacements, changes, and combinations can be made without departing from the gist of the invention. This embodiment and its modifications are included in the scope and gist of the invention, and are also included in the invention described in the claims and their equivalents.

1-3 image processing device 11 controller 12 operation panel 13 HDD
14 Plotter 15 Scanner 16 Storage media I / F
17 Communication I / F
18 bus 21 CPU
22 RAM
23 ROM
30 external storage medium 31 network 41 server 42 PC
51 Calibration chart 55 Character patch group 56A, 56B Photo patch group 57 Diagnosis chart 61 Activation request confirmation screen 101 Chart generation unit 102 Reading unit 103 Acquisition unit 104 Recording unit 105, 202 Sign detection unit 106 Output unit 107 Calibration unit 111 Density transition monitoring unit 112 Color difference transition monitoring unit 121 User notification unit 122 External notification unit 201 Toner adhesion amount detection unit 211 Adhesion amount transition monitoring unit 212 Factor estimation unit 301 Diagnosis unit

Japanese Patent No. 3484677

Claims (11)

Acquisition means for acquiring read data of the chart;
From the read data and the ideal value, a calibration unit that generates a correction table for performing calibration,
A sign detecting means for detecting a sign of an abnormality based on a characteristic of a temporal change of the read data;
Output means for outputting the sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination,
An image processing apparatus comprising: The sign detection means determines that the sign is present when the rate of change of the density value indicated by the read data is equal to or greater than a first predetermined value.
The image processing device according to claim 1. The sign detection means determines that there is the sign when the change rate of the color difference value indicated by the read data is equal to or more than a second predetermined value.
The image processing device according to claim 1. An adhesion amount detection unit that detects an adhesion amount of the toner adhered to the intermediate transfer belt in the electrophotographic process,
Further comprising
The sign detection means estimates the cause of the abnormality based on the characteristics of the change over time of the adhesion amount,
The output means outputs factor information indicating the estimated factor to a predetermined output destination,
The image processing apparatus according to claim 1. The sign detection means estimates that the cause is in a process before the primary transfer in the electrophotographic process, when the sign is detected and the amount of adhesion is decreasing.
The image processing device according to claim 4. The sign detection means estimates that the cause is in a process after the secondary transfer in the electrophotographic process when the sign is detected and the amount of adhesion does not tend to decrease.
The image processing device according to claim 4. Diagnostic means for diagnosing a cause of an abnormality corresponding to the sign based on information obtained from the sign detection means,
Further comprising
The output means outputs diagnostic information indicating a result of the diagnosis to a predetermined output destination,
The image processing device according to claim 1. The diagnosis unit determines execution / non-execution of the diagnosis based on a request of a user;
The output means outputs the diagnostic information when requested by a user,
The image processing device according to claim 7. By operating in cooperation with the image processing device and a server connected to the image processing device via a network,
Acquisition means for acquiring read data of the chart;
From the read data and the ideal value, a calibration unit that generates a correction table for performing calibration,
A sign detecting means for detecting a sign of an abnormality based on a characteristic of a temporal change of the read data;
Output means for outputting the sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination,
Image processing system. A step of acquiring read data of the chart;
A step of generating a correction table for executing calibration from the read data and the ideal value;
A step of detecting a sign of an abnormality based on a characteristic of a temporal change of the read data;
Outputting sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination;
An image processing method including: On the computer,
A process of acquiring read data of the chart;
From the read data and the ideal value, a process of generating a correction table for performing calibration,
A process of detecting a sign of an abnormality based on a characteristic of a temporal change of the read data;
A process of outputting sign information indicating the sign to a predetermined output destination;
A program that executes